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Cignal announced Friday that they have signed standout outside hitter Vanie Gandler to a long-term contract extension.
Gandler, 24, who kicked off her professional journey with Cignal after graduating from Ateneo de Manila University, has quickly become a vital piece of the HD Spikers’ lineup, especially after the departure of former team captain Ces Molina.
Expressing her gratitude, Gandler shared, “I’m very thankful to Cignal for this opportunity. They’ve played a huge role in my growth over the past two years as a pro, and I’m really excited to keep developing with this team.”
During the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Gandler delivered consistent performances, averaging 13.6 points per game and helping the team secure a solid 8-3 record in the eliminations to finish third. Despite the strong start, Cignal’s thin roster depth eventually took its toll as they suffered a surprising upset against Galeries Tower in the qualifying round, followed by an early exit in the play-in stage.
Still, Gandler was one of the team’s bright spots throughout the five-month campaign, finishing eighth overall in scoring with 163 points, while ranking fifth in service aces (0.28 per set) and sixth in reception efficiency (27.70%).
Looking ahead, Gandler is determined to repay the faith shown by the team’s management by continuing to elevate her game and help lead Cignal to greater heights in the seasons to come.
“I’m very motivated to give back to the team, the coaches, the management, and my teammates,” she said. “Joining this team has been a real blessing. They welcomed me, allowed me to grow, and helped me blossom into the player I am today.”
